The Weather Crisis: Blinding Fog & Toxic Air
Delhi woke up to its most challenging weather day of the season.
- Zero Visibility: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that visibility dropped to 0-50 meters across the NCR, with some runway areas seeing visibility as low as 2 meters (6-7 feet).
- IMD Alert: A Yellow Alert remains in place for moderate to dense fog throughout the day.
- AQI Near “Severe”: The city’s air quality remains in the “Very Poor” category, recorded at 383 as of 6:00 AM, teetering on the edge of the “Severe” (400+) mark.
Airline & Airport Advisories
Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has transitioned to CAT III protocols, a technical procedure that allows specifically trained pilots to land in low visibility, though it significantly slows down the frequency of take-offs and landings.
| Airline | Status / Initiative | Policy Update |
| Air India | “FogCare” Activated | Allows passengers to reschedule or claim a full refund at no extra cost if their flight is affected. |
| IndiGo | Mass Disruptions | Warned of delays at Delhi and Hindon; advised passengers to check status via digital channels before leaving for the airport. |
| SpiceJet | Network Impact | Cited bad weather not just in Delhi but also in Ayodhya and Varanasi, affecting consequential flights. |
Impact on Ground Travel
The fog hasn’t just hit the skies; it has paralyzed the capital’s connectivity:
- Railways: Over 25 trains arriving in or departing from Delhi are reportedly running behind schedule by 2 to 8 hours.
- Roads: Traffic on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and local Delhi-NCR highways is moving at a snail’s pace due to the “wall of white” fog.
💡 Important Tips for New Year’s Eve Travelers
- Check Live Status: Use the HOI App or your airline’s website for real-time tracking.
- Buffer Time: If you are driving to the airport, leave at least 90 minutes earlier than usual; road traffic is equally congested due to low visibility.
- Refunds/Rebooking: If your flight is delayed by more than 3-4 hours, you are entitled to rebooking or a full refund under the latest DGCA guidelines and airline-specific “FogCare” policies.